...
This semester, I worked with the StaRS filter theory subteam to analyze the data collected during the Spring 2016 semester and identify relationships between various variables affecting filter performance. Using such relationships, we formulated a hypothesis illustrating filter performance as small regions of particle removal during the filtration apparatus that travel along the filter as the previous section gets clogged. We created a capillary model on mathcad and determined that it was invalid because the calculated floc density was not reasonable. Moving forward, we identified a new model, the washer model that we believe better depicts particle filtration in the StaRS filters. Our speculations will allow us to create a model of the filter that can predict failure time given the coagulant input.
Spring 2017 Contributions
This semester, I hope to finalize a draft for the paper on particle removal in stacked rapid sand filters. I will also be working with two new members of the subteam to run experiments, finish the mathCAD model for the washer model, and do any necessary data analysis to complete the paper.